Secret Cinema’s Grease: The immersive experience review

By Jude

You’re the one that I want, oh-oh-oh, honey! Secret Cinema’s Grease: The Immersive Experience is now officially open at Battersea Evolution, and we were invited to the very first day of school at Rydell High.

Known for their mastery of immersive events, Secret Cinema once again delivers, transporting audiences straight into the world of Grease. From the moment you arrive, “students” welcome you back to school and ask about your summer, instantly pulling you into the story. You’ll wander through the film’s iconic fun fair, step inside a bustling school auditorium, and explore beloved locations brought vividly to life, from the Frosty Palace and the Rydell Autoshop to the Drive-In and the school bleachers.

Blending cinema and live theatre, the experience lets you rewatch the movie while enjoying live performances of its classic songs, with your favourite characters popping up around the auditorium. The night builds to a high-energy finale in the courtyard fun fair with “You’re The One That I Want.”

If you love immersive theatre, this is a must-see! Every element of the school makes you feel like a true student of Rydell High.

Be sure to arrive early to revel in the fun fair spectacle. Purchase tokens at the token hut (4 for £6 or 10 for £10) and hit the rides and carnival games. For 4 tokens, spin on the ferris wheel; 5 tokens get you on the swings; and 2 tokens give you a chance to win a prize at the carnival games. Food and drink are perfectly on theme, from carnival-style hot dogs, burgers, pizza, and Tex-Mex to classic milkshakes served alongside alcoholic and non-alcoholic options. And of course, don’t forget to take plenty of photos and videos, especially if you’ve come dressed in theme, which is strongly encouraged. But if you haven’t come dressed to impress don’t worry, you can pick up everything you need for merch and costuming at the Rydell High store.

An announcement from Principal McGee marks the start of the show. The opening beach scene of the film plays on the big screen as the notes of “Grease is the Word” blast through the speakers, and the doors to Rydell High open for you to find your seats, whether Frosty Palace VIP, Drive-In VIP, or standing general admission in the auditorium.

Feel free to stay in the courtyard during pre-show to eat, drink, or jump on a ride while the lines are short. The film, mixed with live camera shots, plays on the big screen outside so you won’t miss a moment.

Inside is where the immersion truly reaches its peak. With incredible 360-degree set design detail, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped right into the world of Grease. Wander freely through the National Bandstand, Frosty Palace, Drive-In, Rydell Autoshop, and Pink Club House. If you’re GA, you can find a spot to stay for the show, mill around and grab a bite to eat or drink at Frosty Palace during the show, or follow the action. We chose to immerse ourselves fully, ending up in a conga line with Vince Fontaine, on stage with Patty Simcox for an arm wrestling match, playfully scaring Danny Zuko, and joining the dance line during the school dance scene.

The auditorium space is large, and for GA, many were trying to guess where the next song might appear to secure a good viewing spot. Personally, as a usual theatre snob, I didn’t mind being a bit further away for a song or two. The large scenes projected the action well and the constant immersive energy kept me feeling part of it all. It helps if you’re a fan of the film and know it well, so you don’t need to catch every word to follow the story. At times, some dialogue was lost due to slightly low mic levels if you were on the opposite side of the room from the live action. However, this didn’t hinder the overall experience thanks to the familiarity of the story and the irresistible atmosphere filled with nostalgia.

Many audience members leaned into the energy of the show, singing and dancing along to their favourite numbers. However, some were unsure whether that was allowed in a theatre environment, so a clearer indication of whether audience participation is encouraged, perhaps in Principal McGee’s announcement at the start of the show, would be helpful.

The cast are sublime. You truly feel like they are the characters. They walk around the auditorium prior to their songs and scenes, so you may find yourself having a conversation with Sandy or flirting with a T-Bird. The costumes of the cast mirror exactly the iconic outfits from the film, from the crisp Rydell High uniforms and Sandy’s sunshine-yellow dress to the Pink Ladies’ jackets, T-Birds’ leather, and Sandy’s unforgettable black catsuit.

Overall, Secret Cinema’s Grease: The Immersive Experience is an absolute must-see for fans of immersive theatre and the film alike. The stunning set design, spot-on costumes, and infectious energy transport you right into the world of Rydell High. The tiny flaws are just that: minimal, and don’t distract from the overall spectacular night out. This show truly captures the nostalgia and joy of Grease, making it well worth every moment.

As one man behind me exclaimed during the show, particularly during Hand Jive, “It’s so good! It feels like we’re actually watching it!” So live your Grease dreams and get your tickets now, it only runs until September 7th.

Five stars.